Wednesday, December 28, 2005

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe


The Chronicles of Narnia Posted by Picasa

Last night I watched the "The Chronicles of Narnia" with some friends. It was a magnificent and well-produced film based on C.S. Lewis' book "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe." C.S. Lewis created a land of magic and wonder called Narnia, and since then many readers (and now many who have seen and will see this movie) have discovered / will discover the wondrous world that exists beyond the back of the wardrobe. It's about the story of four siblings - Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy. They find their way through an old wardrobe into the world of Narnia. There, they unite with Aslan ('the Lion King') to fight the White Witch and save Narnia from perpetual darkness.

I really like the film, and can identify with all four children at various times:
  • Peter - is afraid even though he has got what it takes to be the King - an honour given by Aslan.
  • Susan - is cautious, doubtful and boring at times.
  • Edmund - is disobedient, pretentious and proud.
  • Lucy - with child-like faith, shares her spiritual experiences with others, is loving and compassionate.

The symbolic meanings in the book / film touch me a lot: Aslan's sacrificial love, the simple but powerful faith of Lucy, the power of the sword (sword of the Spirit), and the fact that once a king always a king (child of God) etc.

In His books, C.S. Lewis argued that humans long "to see with other eyes, to imagine with other imaginations, to feel with other hearts, as well as with our own." We were made for awe. Unfortunately, the modern privileging of scientific fact as the "only" reliable type of truth often tries to push aside the competing truth claims of intuition and revelation. The longing for transcendence -- the desire of human nature to move beyond that nature into something beyond - will not be denied.

Some of my reflections from this film:

First, audience response suggests that most people want to believe in a world like Narnia -- they just lack the eyes to see the similarities between that world and our own. For example, the thought that someone might love them enough to die for them is the basis of many appealing and timeless romances -- how much better to discover that Someone already actually has.

Second, like Lucy, the believability of our story often rests on our credibility as tellers. We can only tell the story well only if we are passionately committed to it. Not everyone who loves Narnia will want Jesus -- but the connection some people may feel with Narnia may make it easier to introduce Jesus, and the fictional account of Aslan might (paradoxically) make discussions of Christ’s work to save us seem more present and real. Let the book, or the movie, do its work -- drawing people in and making them feel and think. Afterward the opportunity might arise to introduce your own story.

Yes my own story is a personal, gripping tale filled with temptations, evil deeds, a Suffering Savior and Triumphant Lord. It is a story in which I am a participant, fighting my own daily 'battles' while being transformed into the image of Christ. It will someday end with the final victory of good over evil.

13 comments:

forgiven said...

Hi Kitty

I might go see that movie today.

Your story we will see when we are with the Lord. I believe that we will see how the Lord worked in all his childerns life. I am so glad that I have you as a sister, no mater what had to happen in your life.

Just like, you would not have me .. Some time I will tell you about my life.

You are my sister and I can't wait until we all can be together.

Thank you
Your Brother Doug

Corry said...

I haven't seen the movie yet, but all that I hear is the comparisson you gave in your post. I don't know when we will see it, but we will:-)

Thank you for posting this. And I am as eager as Forgiven, I too can not wait till we all will be together:-)

God's Grace.

An Ordinary Christian said...

We went to go see the movie today, but it was all sold out. Glad to hear it is selling well, so maybe they will make other good movies, maybe more in the book series. Nice write-up Kitty. I answered your question to me over at the other site.

Kitty Cheng said...

Yes Brother Doug and Corry...I am also looking forward to meeting you :-) May be one day I can come to visit you in the States (by the way, World Team has an office in Philadelphia).

Kitty Cheng said...

Dear Andrea, yes the movie is selling really well in Australia too. We had to book the tickets in advance. I think you and your family will love the movie.

Kitty Cheng said...

Dear Brother Doug, can't wait to hear about your life.

Matthew Celestine said...

I have not seen the film yet. I do not watch films much. I would like to go and see it.

audrey` said...

like DF, i don't watch films much either. but friends are recommending this film very positively :)

hahas Kitty!

Kitty Cheng said...

Hey DF and Audrey, I myself don't watch films that much too - in fact, I haven't watched one for a while before this one. But this film is really worthy watching I think.

Rose~ said...

Hi Kitty,
I saw the movie last week. I wept during Aslan's sacrifice because it was so powerful in the way that it made me think of Christ's sacrifice for me. Your post is excellent.

Anonymous said...

kitty, thank you so much for your prayers. it means a lot to us. may God bless you and keep you always.

audrey` said...

WOW! you're going to be a bridesmaid on 18 February ;)

i'm so excited for you. please post a picture online, k? i'm sure you'll definitely look very gorgeous :)

Kitty Cheng said...

Rosa:

Hi Rose, I agree that Aslan's sacrifice is such a powerful image of Christ's love for us.

Pia:

You're sooo welcome Pia. Glad to know that your mom is at home now.
Will keep praying for you dear.

Audrey:

Yes I'm soooo looking forward to being the bridesmaid for my good friend Ange =) Thanks Audrey.